Lattimore, the South Carolina running back who suffered a gruesome right knee injury in an October win over Tennessee, said a check-up with Dr. James Andrews a couple weeks ago gave him hope he’ll be ready for the start of the 2013 season.

Lattimore, who tore the ACL in his left knee in 2011, was widely considered the best running back in college football before enduring an injury so disturbing he was only able to watch it once on replay.

Still, Lattimore said he never considered he might have played his last game.

“I feel like 80 percent of it is mental,” he said. “If you don’t do your rehab, if you keep asking yourself, ‘Why me?’ your knee reacts. You have to stay positive or you’re not going to come back.”

Lattimore, who stopped by Senior Bowl practice today, said he’s already met with the Jaguars, Bengals and Chiefs among other teams – he hasn’t spoken with the Lions yet – but doesn’t have much feel for where he’ll go in the draft.

If they're both available then I think you almost have to take a chance on BOTH RB Lattimore and CB Tyrann Mathieu in the 7th rd.

Just like Vontaze Burfict last year. These are both 1st rd talents if not for off field issues or injury. You're not going to find that kind of value in the 7th rd often. If they don't pan out...wtf cares, they're 7th rounders...most 7th rd picks don't make it in the league anyways.

If they're both available then I think you almost have to take a chance on BOTH RB Lattimore and CB Tyrann Mathieu in the 7th rd.

Just like Vontaze Burfict last year. These are both 1st rd talents if not for off field issues or injury. You're not going to find that kind of value in the 7th rd often. If they don't pan out...wtf cares, they're 7th rounders...most 7th rd picks don't make it in the league anyways.